Course Outline
Introduction to Sharps and Bloodborne Hazards
• Definition of sharps and contaminated materials
• Common workplace environments where sharps risks exist
• Understanding bloodborne pathogens and exposure risks
• Importance of infection prevention and control
Risks Associated with Sharps Injuries
• Needle-stick injuries and puncture wounds
• Exposure to blood and bodily fluids
• Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV awareness
• Psychological and operational impacts following incidents
Legal Responsibilities and Workplace Duties
• Employer and employee responsibilities
• Importance of safe systems of work
• Reporting requirements following incidents
• Organisational infection control responsibilities
Safe Handling and Disposal of Sharps
Sharps Identification
• Needles and syringes
• Scalpel blades and lancets
• Broken contaminated glass
• Other sharp contaminated objects
Safe Handling Procedures
• Avoiding direct contact
• Correct use of PPE
• Safe handling principles
• Reducing cross-contamination risks
Sharps Disposal Procedures
• Approved sharps containers
• Correct disposal techniques
• Temporary storage considerations
• Managing overfilled sharps bins
Blood and Bodily Fluid Spill Management
Spill Response Procedures
• Securing the contaminated area
• Risk assessment before clean-up
• Use of warning signage and barriers
Cleaning and Disinfection
• Appropriate cleaning materials
• Approved disinfectant usage
• Safe disposal of contaminated waste
• Decontamination procedures
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Gloves and disposable aprons
• Eye and face protection awareness
• Correct donning and removal procedures
Incident Response and Reporting
• Immediate action following sharps injury
• Exposure response procedures
• Incident reporting requirements
• Seeking medical assessment and follow-up
Supporting a Safe Workplace Culture
• Reporting hazards and unsafe practices
• Maintaining hygiene awareness
• Supporting organisational infection prevention procedures
Who the Course Is For
This course is suitable for individuals working in environments where sharps or blood spillages may occur, including:
• Healthcare Workers
• Care Assistants and Support Staff
• Nurses and Clinical Personnel
• Laboratory Staff
• Cleaning and Hygiene Teams
• Facilities and Maintenance Personnel
• Hospitality and Accommodation Staff
• Safety Managers & Safety Officers
• EHS Managers
• Supervisors and Team Leaders
• Waste Handling Personnel
No prior sharps or infection control training is required.
Why This Training Is Important
Infection Prevention
Incorrect handling of sharps or bodily fluids can expose employees to serious infections and biological hazards.
Risk Reduction
Safe handling and spill response procedures significantly reduce workplace contamination and injury risks.
Legal Responsibility
Employers must ensure appropriate procedures, training, and controls are in place to protect employees from biological hazards.
Workplace Safety Culture
Training promotes awareness, safe behaviours, and consistent infection prevention practices throughout the organisation.
Course Objectives
Participants will:
• Understand the risks associated with sharps injuries and blood spillages
• Recognise biological hazards and contamination risks
• Apply safe sharps handling and disposal procedures
• Respond safely to blood and bodily fluid spillages
• Understand incident reporting and escalation procedures
• Support organisational infection prevention measures
• Promote safer workplace hygiene and contamination control practices
Course Format & Delivery
Instructor-led training
Includes:
• Practical workplace examples
• Scenario-based discussion
• Infection prevention guidance
• Spill response awareness
• PPE and contamination control principles
Delivered:
• Onsite at client premises,
The course focuses on practical workplace safety awareness and safe operational procedures rather than clinical treatment instruction.
Irish Legislation Supported
This training supports employer obligations under:
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Biological Agents) Regulations 2013
• HSE Ireland infection prevention and control guidance
Irish legislation requires employers to:
• Identify biological hazards within the workplace
• Implement safe systems of work
• Provide appropriate PPE and training
• Reduce exposure risks to employees
• Maintain procedures for managing workplace contamination incidents
Why Choose Samson Training
Samson Training delivers professional workplace safety training focused on practical risk management, infection prevention, and organisational responsibility.
Our approach emphasises:
• Practical contamination control awareness
• Real workplace scenarios and discussions
• Clear procedural understanding
• Consistent professional instruction
• Observation-led safety awareness
We position sharps and spill response training as part of a wider organisational safety and hygiene culture — not simply a compliance exercise.
FAQ's
Is sharps and blood spillages training required in Ireland?
Employers must protect employees from biological hazards and provide appropriate information, procedures, and training where exposure risks exist.
Who should attend this course?
Anyone working in environments where sharps, blood, or bodily fluids may be encountered should receive awareness training.
Does the course include spill response procedures?
Yes. Participants learn safe procedures for managing blood and bodily fluid spillages using appropriate infection control measures.
Is PPE covered during the training?
Yes. The course includes awareness of appropriate PPE selection and safe usage procedures.
Is this course suitable for non-healthcare workplaces?
Yes. The training is suitable for healthcare, facilities, cleaning, hospitality, education, and other workplaces where contamination risks may exist.
